Antidepressants are class of drugs that reduce symptoms of depressive disorders by correctly chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. These imbalances may be responsible for changes in mood and behaviour of an individual. In forensic autopsy case, the forensic pathologist may require a complete toxicological investigation for different poisons including Anti-depressents. In India, Forensic Science Laboratories run by Government under the Home ministry usually carry out this The samples have to be analyzed by the forensic Toxicologist/Chemists/ Scientist. This article deals with the screening/spot test for antidepressants in a step-wise manner, which can be of handy reference for the forensic toxicologist.This article is in continuation of toxicology manual series-XVIII, screening/spot test of aphrodisiacs (sex drugs), International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine,Vol.14, No.3 Jan-March 2012.

Keywords: Antidepressants; Screening; Colour; Spot Test etc.